Are you and your significant other ready to bring in another beautiful addition to your growing family? My husband and I are ready to do so and have received some great advice from family and friends as we plan to grow our family. Here are some tips I thought would help my fellow moms!
1. Prepare Your First Child
-
Talk About the Baby: Start talking to your first child about the new baby early on, using age-appropriate language so they’re ready to welcome their new baby brother or sister!
-
Involve Them: Allow them to help you pick out things like baby clothes or toys. Even pushing around a miniature version of a stroller or even a shopping cart may help in the long run!
-
Set Expectations: Explain how things may change at home but also emphasize how they will stay the same, especially in terms of your love and attention.
2. Plan for Support
-
Set Up a Support System: Identify friends, family, or hired help who can assist, especially in the first few weeks or even months after the baby arrives. Remember, this is your recovery period so give yourself a break and get the help you need!
3. Logistics
-
Sleeping Arrangements: Think about where your new baby will sleep and if any changes need to be made to your current sleeping arrangements. Be sure it doesn’t interfere with your first child’s growing independence and development!
-
Car Arrangements: Ensure your car is equipped to handle two children, which might include getting a double stroller, car seat or even a larger vehicle.
4. Self-Care
-
Mental and Physical Preparation: Reflect on how you’ll balance caring for two children and set realistic expectations for yourself. This goes back to one of my earlier posts- make sure you set time for “me-time”!
-
Plan for Recovery: Make a plan for postpartum recovery, including who will help with household tasks and care for your first child. *If your first child is in daycare, I would highly suggest you to pull him/her out of daycare until your new baby is vaccinated. You don’t want to run the risk of your first child bringing home any germs, diseases, etc. from their daycare.
5. Bonding with Both Children
-
Individual Attention: Plan for one-on-one time with your first child to reinforce your bond and help them feel secure.
-
Foster Sibling Bond: I strongly believe that siblings can be the bestest of friends. Encourage your children to play together and hang out. In my opinion, the more the parent(s) foster a friendship in their children’s relationship, the more their children will get along.
6. Be Flexible With Change
-
Expect the Unexpected: No matter how well you plan, be prepared to adapt as needed. Each child and situation is different, and you may need to adjust your approach along the way. No one can predict behavior and personality, so just be patient and understanding. Your kids will love you more for it!
Share this content:
